Nintendo's Next Gen Console - The Wii U?

[JayP]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Problem is Nintendo is relying too heavily on Gimmicks and needs to just provide a good gaming console.

They have the software due to their first party games, and they will always be relevant in the console market just on the back of just Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Pokemon and Metroid.

However the gimmicks make things like this really hit or miss, they hit with the Wii but they failed miserably with the Virtual Boy.

The Wii was a huge hit because it came right at the start of the fitness trend but even after a while I think anybody who bought it will say it lost its shine pretty quickly.

To me this may just push people to tablets even more and say "why by the console if Im just going to play on my 9.5 inch screen anyways. Might as well get the tablet which is more mobile."

Plus it is nothing truly groundbreaking since Sony has been toying with playing PS3 games using your PSP as your controller since the system had come out pretty much. And basically they are releasing a whole new console to be able to do what Sony is with the Vita and PS3 combo.

I really don't see how the Virtual Boy is relevant in making a statement about Nintendo's "gimmicks".

The thing you clearly don't understand about the Wii U is that you don't have to use the controller in any gimmicky way. Any developer could just ignore it's features, make use of it's almost Dual-Shock 3 button layout and port whatever multi-platform game over and it'd play exactly the same as on the PS3 or 360 (or better depending on how much better the graphics are).

The easiest application to hardcore games is there should be no HUD on any game on the Wii U. Inventory systems should be much improved with the touch screen and integrated into the gameplay (ie; no pausing when looking through your inventory). There's plenty of simple, not intrusive things that could be done to improve hardcore games and that's something that none of these "gimmicks" (Wii Remote, Kinect, PS Move) have shown they can do.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by likwid888

What I'm most excited about is the fact that Nintendo is no longer alienating the hardcore games, and is once again allowing developers to create violent games for its console. The first person shooter demos at the show looked amazing and will no doubt take advantage of the innovative controller. Also, imagine the possibilities of sports games like Madden using the controller screen to not only select plays, but create plays on the fly.

...i've heard this all before.

The Dreamcast VMU haha.

Nintendo didn't do enough to warrant my interest. I've already got a 360 and PS3 so they would have had to do something fairly significant to garner my interest as a gamer, and they seem pretty content with just doing their goofy nintendo stuff, except this time people will be able to play ports as well.

[Superflyer]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

I hope they plan on releasing a "classic controller" for the Wii U. Can you imagine playing fighting games on that thing? I'd be like using an Ipad as a controller.

It will use the new tablet type controller plus you can use the old wii controllers (remotes\nunchuck\classic controllers\balance board etc.)

Also the line up of games looks good as well.
Games announced: Smash Brothers, Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City, Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon Online, Darksiders II, Dirt, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Metro: Last Night, Tekken, Ninja Gaiden 3, FIFA 12, Madden 12, Driver, Lego City Stories

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by JayP

I really don't see how the Virtual Boy is relevant in making a statement about Nintendo's "gimmicks".

The thing you clearly don't understand about the Wii U is that you don't have to use the controller in any gimmicky way. Any developer could just ignore it's features, make use of it's almost Dual-Shock 3 button layout and port whatever multi-platform game over and it'd play exactly the same as on the PS3 or 360 (or better depending on how much better the graphics are).

The easiest application to hardcore games is there should be no HUD on any game on the Wii U. Inventory systems should be much improved with the touch screen and integrated into the gameplay (ie; no pausing when looking through your inventory). There's plenty of simple, not intrusive things that could be done to improve hardcore games and that's something that none of these "gimmicks" (Wii Remote, Kinect, PS Move) have shown they can do.

I would agree with you if they didn't make it such a centralized part of the launch and based the whole idea around it. In the end you could be right but I think that since they are basing it as one of the main features of the new system it will be used in more gimmicky ways.

I will agree that if they use it as a secondary tool to just support games it will be a success, but it will fail it they try to make it a core feature of games.

Also I do not think the system will be a failure, it will be a success due to Mario/Zelda alone driving sales, but I do think that Nintendo could have implemented this system much better.

I think a major issue is the size of the controller, and eventually will be the cost of other controllers. A controller with a built in 9.5 inch touch screen will not come cheap, if you start charging people $100+ per extra controller they will start to shy away from the system.

Also why is the thing the size of a laptop. Really a controller the size of and more similar in design to the new PSP would have probably been sufficient enough. Personally to me the controller is very ugly looking, and is just too big. And if there is anything hardcore gamers are picky about it is the shape and size of their controller. That controller to me does not look like something that ill be comfortable, and easy to hold for hours at a time.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Igottago

That controller looks ridiculously uncomfortable. Not sure how you're supposed to game holding something that size and shape. Looks awkward.

That was my first thought as well, but according to this first look from IGN, it's surprisingly comfortable: http://wii.ign.com/articles/117/1173582p1.html

When I first saw the XBox controller, I thought it would be uncomfortable too, but it's probably the best one out there right now.

As far as I can tell, the controller is just a controller and not a stand-alone system of its own, so you'll still have to be within range of the main system to use it. Because of that, they don't need to worry about making the controller something you can comfortably carry around in your pocket or bag like an iPad, DS, or PSP, so they can give it a more ergonomic grip and not worry about it being too bulky or awkward to carry.

[LockedOut]

Too little too late. The Wii's usefulness is diminishing. Third party developers have pretty much has abandoned the Wii. It's pretty cool and all but it should've come with a new console. This will be as useful as the motion plus and the Wii fit board. (ie collecting dust after a few weeks.)

[likwid888]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I would agree with you if they didn't make it such a centralized part of the launch and based the whole idea around it. In the end you could be right but I think that since they are basing it as one of the main features of the new system it will be used in more gimmicky ways.

I will agree that if they use it as a secondary tool to just support games it will be a success, but it will fail it they try to make it a core feature of games.

Also I do not think the system will be a failure, it will be a success due to Mario/Zelda alone driving sales, but I do think that Nintendo could have implemented this system much better.

I think a major issue is the size of the controller, and eventually will be the cost of other controllers. A controller with a built in 9.5 inch touch screen will not come cheap, if you start charging people $100+ per extra controller they will start to shy away from the system.

Also why is the thing the size of a laptop. Really a controller the size of and more similar in design to the new PSP would have probably been sufficient enough. Personally to me the controller is very ugly looking, and is just too big. And if there is anything hardcore gamers are picky about it is the shape and size of their controller. That controller to me does not look like something that ill be comfortable, and easy to hold for hours at a time.

The screen is 6.5 inches.

[Flaming Choy]

Like all Nintendo products, I'll get this to play Nintendo first party and stick with Xbox for the rest. win/win

[Shades]

I hope they are launching with new, fresh, innovative games instead of just rehashes of what the Wii wasn't capable of running well.

Originally Posted by Superflyer

It will use the new tablet type controller plus you can use the old wii controllers (remotes\nunchuck\classic controllers\balance board etc.)

Also the line up of games looks good as well.
Games announced: Smash Brothers, Battlefield 3, Batman: Arkham City, Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon Online, Darksiders II, Dirt, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Metro: Last Night, Tekken, Ninja Gaiden 3, FIFA 12, Madden 12, Driver, Lego City Stories

Oh.

[iggyformayor]

Originally Posted by LockedOut

Too little too late. The Wii's usefulness is diminishing. Third party developers have pretty much has abandoned the Wii. It's pretty cool and all but it should've come with a new console. This will be as useful as the motion plus and the Wii fit board. (ie collecting dust after a few weeks.)

It is an all new console.

[Shades]

Originally Posted by likwid888

This system will revolutionize gaming just like the Wii did with motion controls. This is not a fail by any means. All the people already hating on this are probably the same people who hated the Wii when it was first announced and ended up buying one anyways.

All of these motion games wear thin quickly. Sure, I have a Wii but ask me when the last time I turned it on was.

Motion control is to videogames as 3D is to movies.

[likwid888]

Originally Posted by Shades

All of these motion games wear thin quickly. Sure, I have a Wii but ask me when the last time I turned it on was.

Motion control is to videogames as 3D is to movies.

To the hardcore gamer, yes. My point is that it revolutionized gaming for the majority of gamers (brought casual gamers back into console gaming) and forced Sony/Microsoft to create their own versions of motion peripherals.

[LockedOut]

Originally Posted by iggyformayor

It is an all new console.

I'm confused then whether Wii U is a controller or console cause Nintendo in their presser only showed the controller and kept calling Wii U a controller.

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by likwid888

To the hardcore gamer, yes. My point is that it revolutionized gaming for the majority of gamers (brought casual gamers back into console gaming) and forced Sony/Microsoft to create their own versions of motion peripherals.

And I'd bet MS and Sony will find a way to make better use of the technology than Nintendo has. Nintendo cashed in on a gimmick, MS and Sony have a way bigger strategic picture. They are building on being all around media and entertainment hubs rather than being a means to motion control jump a plumber into a mushroom.

Nintendo is lucky they have a lot of brand loyalty because personally I haven't had any reason to want a Nintendo product since the SNES when I was about 12 years old. Putting a screen on the controller will do little to change that.

[likwid888]

Originally Posted by Igottago

And I'd bet MS and Sony will find a way to make better use of the technology than Nintendo has. Nintendo cashed in on a gimmick, MS and Sony have a way bigger strategic picture. They are building on being all around media and entertainment hubs rather than being a means to motion control jump a plumber into a mushroom.

Nintendo is lucky they have a lot of brand loyalty because personally I haven't had any reason to want a Nintendo product since the SNES when I was about 12 years old. Putting a screen on the controller will do little to change that.

I wouldn't go that far. The Playstation Move is a total Wii motion rip off and has been an epic failure for Sony.

Unlike Sony/Microsoft, who are media tycoons. Nintendo has always been about strictly gaming, so why should they create a media/entertainment hub? Nintendo has their own audience, and Sony/Microsoft have a slightly different audience that want more out of their consoles.

[JayP]

Anyone complaining about the size/weight of the controller should read the many hands-on impressions out there because they all say it's a non-issue.

[Tinordi]

Nintendo's also noticed the popularity of touch screen gaming on the iDevices and this is a clear second front they're opening against them. You can be sure that there'll be a relatively well fleshed app store to buy indie games available for things like the iPad.

[Flaming Choy]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

Nintendo's also noticed the popularity of touch screen gaming on the iDevices and this is a clear second front they're opening against them. You can be sure that there'll be a relatively well fleshed app store to buy indie games available for things like the iPad.

Only problem with this is it's a single touch screen, no multi-touch. If they were smart, they'd changed that to multi-touch so they could get android/iOS devs to sell stuff on there also.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by Shades

All of these motion games wear thin quickly. Sure, I have a Wii but ask me when the last time I turned it on was.

Motion control is to videogames as 3D is to movies.

Inevitable? Eventually ubiquitous? A foregone conclusion? Fait accompli?

[LockedOut]

Just a thought. What can this Wii-U do that Sony wouldn't be able to replicate with their PS3 and PS Vita?